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Winter waterfall hikes near me2/7/2024 ![]() You’ll sometimes find signs at intersections but not always. Don’t count on clear trail markings in these areas, unless you’re on very popular trails. Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests are a bit more remote. In the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah, trails are well-marked but the footing is tricky (lots of roots and rocks). You’ll often go a mile or two without seeing blazes but you’ll see signs at every intersection. Trails in Pisgah National Forest are pretty well-marked, especially in the Pisgah Ranger District. ![]() The Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail are also clearly marked. The easiest-to-follow, best-maintained trails in WNC are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The answer to this is…it very much depends. Wear layers! Are the hiking trails in Asheville well-marked and well-maintained? Trying to find the trail on Tennent Mountain in the fog. At the top of Mount Mitchell in August at 2 pm, it’s still only about 70 degrees. Regardless of which season you choose, keep in mind that the temperature at 5,000 feet is about 15 degrees cooler than in Asheville. This is a great time of year for fire tower hikes, but waterfalls slow to a trickle. The change in seasons slowly creeps down the mountainsides. The higher elevations change colors first (as early as mid-September), and they’re completely barren by mid-late October. September-November is peak leaf season and drier than the rest of the year. ![]() If you’re hiking in the summer in WNC, you’ll need to get an early start, since it’s very dangerous to be on exposed ridges in thunderstorms. But it also storms almost every afternoon. June-August brings perfect weather and explosions of wild mushrooms. Spring can be a bit rainy and muddy, but it’s a great time to see waterfalls at their peak flows. March-June brings out spectacular wildflowers - mountain laurels first, then rhododendrons. But the Blue Ridge Parkway closes for repairs and whenever it gets icy or snowy, so many of the best easy hikes near Asheville are inaccessible. From December-March, the trees are barren so you can get awesome ridge-line views that are normally obscured. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer (usually 80 degrees-ish), winter is mild (highs in the 50’s are common) and the rest of the year is absolutely perfect.Įach season has its advantages. When is the best time to go hiking near Asheville? The peak season for rhododendrons above 5,000 feet is late June.Īsheville is an amazing year-round outdoor destination. Easy hikes near Asheville NC: Frequently Asked Questionsīefore we dive in to the best short hiking trails near Asheville, let’s go over a few of the basics. For now, I’m steering clear of the most crowded trails like Linville, Skinny Dip and Catawba Falls due to coronavirus concerns. If you decide to purchase through these links, I receive a percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you.Īdditional note: I spend every weekend on the trails, so I’ll keep adding to this post as I discover great short hikes. Note: This post contains affiliate links. So strap on your hiking boots, grab some snacks, and read on to discover the best short hikes in Western North Carolina! All of the hikes I list here are under 5 miles, and within 90 minutes of downtown. You don’t have to drive far, scramble up a rocky cliff face, or destroy your knees to summit 6,000-foot balds or swim under waterfalls near Asheville. In this post, I’ll tell you all about my favorite easy hikes from a local’s perspective. Even better, many of the most beautiful views are accessible on easy hikes near Asheville. It’s surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, and iconic waterfalls. Asheville, North Carolina is a hiker’s paradise.
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